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H4 halogen or led in early Ford headlight

Discussion in 'Off Topic Hot Rods & Customs' started by mustangsix, Jul 12, 2025.

  1. mustangsix
    Joined: Mar 7, 2005
    Posts: 1,524

    mustangsix
    Member

    Have any of you installed an H4 halogen or led in an early Ford headlight? What did the beam pattern look like?
     
  2. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,839

    RodStRace
    Member

  3. mustangsix
    Joined: Mar 7, 2005
    Posts: 1,524

    mustangsix
    Member

    Thanks, that's what I'm after. What do those bulb outputs look like behind an original lens and reflector.

     
  4. partssaloon
    Joined: Jan 28, 2009
    Posts: 769

    partssaloon
    Member

    I have Holley LED's in my 48 and it's been the best pattern of any of them I've tried.
     
    topher5150 likes this.
  5. mustangsix
    Joined: Mar 7, 2005
    Posts: 1,524

    mustangsix
    Member

    Thanks. I've used those too and they are very good.
    I'm just wondering what the pattern of something like a 32 or 34 Ford light looks like with a new bulb, especially the difference between high and low.
     
  6. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,321

    Fordors
    Member

    I’ve heard that halogens need reflectors shaped differently. Here are photos of a reflector in a ‘32 lamp-
    The first one shows the raised area where the bulb is placed. IMG_4176.jpeg The next two show a 180* segment that is raised about 1/4” at the bottom of the reflector, and that tapers to zero near the bulb, I’m guessing that has something to do with low and high beam. The lines show where the taper is and the arrow shows the 1/4” depth, and yes, it’s hard to explain and visualize. The point is, I don’t think an original style reflector works well, the focus of the light will be poor.
    IMG_4177.jpeg IMG_4179.jpeg
     
    pprather likes this.
  7. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 3,483

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    @mustangsix
    A,s & 32 The Reflector that were sold around 15 years a go to be used with
    9004 or 9006 bulb? Like Vintique sold
    Where bright , I felt beam pattern was wrong
    Compared to Original restored OEM
    Reflected, Model A's bulbs where adjustable Originally by moving the bulb in and out from the Flutes .

    Bob Drake made a Reflector with a Raised Area where the Bulb mounts &
    Was all chrome plastic Much better
    Flute / Beam pattern then
    Vintique ,
    As far as I know B - D No longer makes in last 7 or so years .
    I am surprised That Holley does not make There Versions for Pre war .
     
    Deutscher and Fordors like this.
  8. Yes, the Bob Drake reflector is described in the last two photos posted by @Fordors above.

    The design works very well behind the original lens. I have used them on 33/34 commercial and 35-37 commercial Ford headlights.

    Unfortunately, it appears that they are no longer being produced.

    I'm not aware of an alternative that is comparable.
     
    Fordors likes this.
  9. Fordors
    Joined: Sep 22, 2016
    Posts: 6,321

    Fordors
    Member

    Thanks @19Eddy30 and @pprather , your posts helped explain what I was trying to say. I have a set of Drake’s ‘32 lights on the shelf (for too long) for my Fordor. And I didn’t know that they’ve been unavailable for years, mine were an eBay score.
     
  10. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 7,839

    RodStRace
    Member

    That's what I meant by narrow the focus. ;)
    The lens and reflector (Year, Make, Model, OE or aftermarket) along with the bulb.
     
  11. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 3,483

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    It would , I think Nice if some one
    Made / stamped in a metal Version
    Or One's with 3d printer make / print out ,,,
    If I had & knew software writing I would be making all kind's of Old OEM
    Like the 40/41 Buick Black Out tail lights
     

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